constrict

[ kuhn-strikt ]
/ kənˈstrɪkt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR constrict ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.
to slow or stop the natural course or development of: Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

Origin of constrict

1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; see strict) + -tus past participle suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM constrict

non·con·strict·ed, adjective non·con·strict·ing, adjective un·con·strict·ed, adjective well-con·strict·ed, adjective

Words nearby constrict

constitutive, constr., constrain, constrained, constraint, constrict, constriction, constriction ring, constrictive, constrictive pericarditis, constrictor

Words related to constricting

circumscribe, cramp, compress, restrict, curb, strangle, condense, tauten, restrain, confine, shrink, tighten, concentrate, tense, clench, squeeze, tuck, pinch, choke, contract

Example sentences from the Web for constricting

British Dictionary definitions for constricting

constrict
/ (kənˈstrɪkt) /

verb (tr)

to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place
to hold in or inhibit; limit

Word Origin for constrict

C18: from Latin constrictus compressed, from constringere to tie up together; see constrain

Medical definitions for constricting

constrict
[ kən-strĭkt′ ]

v.

To make smaller or narrower, especially by binding or squeezing.